Chapter 19 – Pure Thalorian Blood
The morning sun rose gently, casting soft light across the valley.
Whispers still filled the forest elf settlement after the miracle of the previous night.
For a race on the brink of extinction, the birth of a single child was considered divine. But two at once? That shook the very foundations of their belief.
Beneath the roots of the last remnant of the World Tree stood the sacred hall, where the elders had gathered. The air was thick, heavy, as if the ancient roots themselves were listening to every breath.
Valdyn entered, carrying the two newborns in his arms. Sylwen walked beside him, pale but steadfast.
Kaelen whimpered softly, while Lyraine yawned, her faint silver eyes still barely open.
The elders rose to their feet, bowing their heads. Even those who had been skeptical could not hide their awe.
---
The eldest elder stepped forward, holding a crystal bowl filled with glowing green liquid—water drawn from the deepest roots of the World Tree.
"We will test their bloodlines," he said, voice trembling. "If these children truly transcend the old laws, then the ancestors have chosen our path."
Valdyn gave a firm nod. "Do it."
Kaelen was placed upon the stone altar. A drop of green water touched his forehead. At once, a light flared—green shifting to radiant blue-gold.
Whispers erupted through the chamber.
"Blue-gold… the color of ancient blood!"
"Impossible!"
The elder nearly dropped the bowl, his hands shaking. "He… he carries pure Thalorian blood. A talent unseen since the age of our lost civilization."
Sylwen pressed a trembling hand to her lips, tears streaking her cheeks.
Lyraine was laid upon the altar next. When the green water touched her brow, a pure white light burst forth, flooding the entire chamber like moonlight.
Every elder fell to their knees instinctively.
"Pure light… a blessing of the ancestors!"
"A daughter with Thalorian blood mingled with light itself… this is the sign of rebirth!"
Valdyn's gaze hardened as he looked upon them. Pride swelled in his chest, but so too did the weight of responsibility. They are not only my children. They are symbols—and targets.
---
[DING! Hidden Quest Unlocked: Protect Your Offspring.]
Description:
Your offspring are the new flame of the elves. They will become the target of every enemy—human, orc, and beastman alike.
Objectives:
– Ensure all offspring survive to adulthood.
– Train them to inherit and surpass the strength of the ancestors.
Reward:
– +30 Intelligence
– +1 Unique Skill (???).
Valdyn clenched his fists. The system never warns without reason. If they are targets, then I must shield them with every strength I have.
---
When the ritual ended, the elders broke into heated debate.
"These children must be guarded with all our strength."
"No! They must be revealed as symbols to unite the clans!"
"If the enemy learns of them, they will hunt these babies down!"
Voices clashed in the sacred hall.
Queen Serenea raised her hand. Instantly, silence fell.
"They will be guarded," she declared. "But we cannot close our eyes to this. The prophecy is clear—Valdyn's bloodline is the key to our revival. That means every child born of him carries the fate of our people."
The elders turned to Valdyn.
Some with admiration, others with fear, still others with calculating eyes.
Valdyn understood the meaning of those stares. I am no longer just a prince. I am a source of heirs. A source of political power.
---
As they returned to the pavilion, Sylwen looked at him with worry.
"Valdyn… I'm afraid. Kaelen and Lyraine are too special. Everyone will want them."
Valdyn glanced down at the sleeping twins. "I know. Which is why I must be stronger than anyone. No one will touch them without stepping over my corpse."
Sylwen gripped his hand tightly. "Then… I will stand beside you, no matter what comes."
---
That night, a scout burst into the village, breathless.
"Report! We've found signs of movement in the west. Dark Elves… they're still alive. A small tribe, isolated within the shadowed forest."
Valdyn rose, emerald eyes blazing.
Dark Elves… if I can unite them with the Forest Elves, it will be the first step to uniting our people.
But he also knew: Dark Elves were no easy allies. They carried hatred and scars as deep as the forest itself.
---
Kaelen and Lyraine had been revealed as children of pure blood, bearing the blessing of the ancestors.
Valdyn now carried a new mission: protect his offspring with his very life.
Yet news of surviving Dark Elves opened the door to another trial.
#wanD48